Haitian Beach Day

Today was beach day!  After another delicious breakfast, the two visiting churches and IFJ departed for the beach with many of the children from New Life in tow.  Along the way, we saw how the people of Haiti have coped with the recent disaster.  Although, there is still much work to be done, it was truly eye-opening to see them find solace in something as simple as a game of 3v3 soccer or the buying and selling of goods at the local market. 

Upon our arrival, we quickly discovered the skill of our bus driver as he descended the steep, winding, 30-foot decline towards our beach.  After a quick prayer, the kids headed toward the waves with smiles on their faces.  While in the water, most spent their time playing games, while others enjoyed the comfort of the shade and a cool breeze.  Other activities included rousing games of UNO, the collection of sea shells and beach glass, and, of course, the daily ritual of a friendly game of soccer.  Later, lunch was served, which consisted of peanut butter sandwiches, BBQ chicken, rice and beans, and a fresh salad.  As usual, everyone enjoyed the delicious meal just as much as the last, especially with the scenic view of the ocean tides and the mountains of Haiti in the background.  It was truly amazing to see God’s hand extend to a land so impoverished.  After lunch, some took to the water to continue the fun and games while others played soccer and even a game of basketball with human hoops (thanks to Will and Patrick).  A few hours later, it was time to head back to the orphanage.  Although, it surely disappointed the children to leave, we knew they enjoyed themselves with a full, active day of sun and fun as many fell asleep on the bus ride home.  On the way, we saw the grave site where many of the victims of the earthquake were laid to rest.  Although sad, it was a moving display of Haitian pride to see the giant purple ribbon marking the burial site. 

After another delicious dinner, we headed back to the pitch for one final game of soccer before Devotions.  While we all missed spending the 4th of July with our families back home it was truly a blessing to be in a community filled with so much love.  This will surely be a holiday we all will not soon forget.

-Blogged by: Kristin and David (the human)

Haiti Soccer Camp - July 3rd, 2011

Today, the plan was to set up a tournament with five different teams. However, we are quickly learning that things in Haiti don’t exactly go according to plan. Some of us are having an easier time adjusting to this than others. We started off with an MLS shoot-out competition to get the kids all gathered on the soccer field. Before, we got the games started; we passed around on the field and goofed around with the kids. Austin put one kid on his shoulders and then all of a sudden every kid was begging to be put up on our shoulders. They were all begging to faster and faster so the boys ended up racing each other with the kids on their shoulders. The kids were squealing with laughter and loved all the attention they were getting. We ended up only having enough kids to make two teams given that we started a noon, the hottest time of day, and most of the girls don’t play soccer. We gave each team their respective pennies and bandanas and let the games begin.  The children were so proud of the team they were on and made all their friends get the same bandana. We started to play the first game in the middle of the day; this was hard for us because we are not accustomed to the heat in Haiti. The game was fun and the kids really enjoyed it. They are very skilled and we find ourselves learning from them just as much as they are learning from us. The game lasted about an hour and ended with a great lunch.

While the soccer game was occupying most of the boys, we had crafts set up along the sidelines for those who chose not to participate in the soccer game. We had beads to put on string and pipe-cleaners that became bracelets and necklaces. The kids loved to go through and pick out what beads to put on their bracelets and many shared their creations with us. We also had foam crosses to decorate with letters and sticker jewels. It’s amazing how their lives are so centered on Christ. Many of their crosses read: “Jesus loves Jeremy,” or “Shirley loves God.” The kids enjoyed wearing the jewel stickers as jewelry as well. Many little kids were running around with make-shift earrings and jewels stuck on their foreheads. Then we had to go in for dinner.

When we were eating our dinner we looked out the window to see the kids starting to organize their own game of soccer. We were amazed and quickly ran into our rooms and got the jerseys we packed for them. We brought out the jerseys and the kids we ecstatic and were so proud to have their own jersey and number. Then we started the game. It was a high scoring game and many of their goals were high-light reel worthy. We played until it became dark and it was time for the kids to go to devotions. We went and watched a few videos that Bill Plaza made with pictures and videos that he took during his last visit to the New Life for Children Home/Rescue Center. After watching the videos, we sang a few worship songs and sent the kids off to bed.

We are so blessed to have this opportunity to serve these kids and bring a smile to their faces. I cannot wait to play with them tomorrow!

Emily and Will.

soccer with orphans (not sure who learned more)

Today was an amazing day, for all of us. We were blessed seeing the joys of the children as they picked their shoes and clothing that was donated.  One child stands out as he is taken by the hand of Diane, he screams with joy knowing that he is going to receive shoes. The smiles and screams of joys continue as he is given his soccer clothing. What a God given blessing that was to see. It filled my heart with joy.

The children gave us the opportunity to play with them as well as learn from them. I believe more like learn, since their soccer skills are quite advanced. It appears to run in their blood. It is interesting to see how many are able to play and run around with a soccer ball barefoot. A few still played barefoot as they are used too.  An exciting two games took place today.  The yellow team vs. the red team, both played well and competitive. The children at the orphanage looked as if they were members of the Chicago Fire team. They wore the shirts proudly and played with all their heart.  At the second game, they reshuffled themselves into new teams.  At the end of both games, everyone left learning a new skill from someone new.  

The day ended with a wonderful tour of the orphanage. We had the opportunity to see what an amazing home the children have. We learned that the children raise rabbits, fish, chickens, and goats as a source of food. They also grow their own crops. The crops are filled with wonderful vegetables that were visible.  There are two different dorms, one for the boys and the other for the females/ infants. They both appeared to be spacious and children friendly. There are ramps available for the handicapped children. As we were finishing the tour, we had a glimpsed of the children doing their laundry. Our tour guide had mentioned that the children were washing the clothing gifts that we had given them earlier in the day. 

Today was a great day! We all had many laughs throughout the day. Thank you God for this wonderful opportunity!

Maria & Martha

Bonswa-Our Arrival in Haiti

Bonswa, from New Life Children’s Home in LaPlaine, Haiti.  Courtney and I met the team at the gate in Miami and after a fast walk to our gate and some food for the team members arriving from Chicago we boarded the plane.  Bob and Patrick had what could be called a passport malfunction.  Bob misplaced his and Patrick’s was actually gate checked in his carry on.  All is fine Bob found his in his other bag and Patrick had his gate checked bag returned in Haiti so he could travel through customs. 

We arrived at the Prot Au Prince airport and made it out of baggage claim and to our bus with the help of several very energetic porters.  Several of the porters actually recognized the Impact for Jesus shirts and asked about some of our frequent Haiti travelers.

We saw several tent cities and some of Port Au Prince on our short bus ride to the New Life Home.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner and unpacked many of our bags.  We are ready to start the soccer camp.  Courtney, Will, Austin and Patrick put up a new net and already started to make friends on the futball pitch. 

We took a short tour of the compound and then Bob and I walked around the area where the children live and saw some of the workers helping the handicapped children.  Several of the team members are hanging with the kids watching Alvin & The Chipmunks “The Squeakwil”.  I made my first friend his name is Jakeen and he has a beautiful smile that lit up his face as I held his hand and gave him a hug.  The children were singing Praise Songs as we joined them before the music started and it warmed my heart and brought a tear to my eye.

We have only been here a few hours, but I could continue on about the things we have already seen and done.  Please keep the team in your prayers as we begin the soccer camp.  Some of us may actually join another team that is at New Life and go to work on a construction project. 

As I close I will share something we saw as we pulled in the New Life Home.  A man was sitting by the front gate with a child in his arms.  The child and the man both looked to be ill.  We were later told by the New Life staff that the child was near death and had to be taken to the hospital and the man had severe health problems as well.

We are thankful for your prayers for the team and the people of Haiti.

God Bless,

John (sharing for the New Life Team 2011) July 1, 2011

Soccer Camp 2011 - Haiti Style

We will be holding a soccer camp in Haiti from July 1st to July 8th. However, the team will be doing so much more than just playing soccer at one orphanage. The itinerary has us feeding children at a tent city, working at other orphanages, doing crafts with local children and checking out the medical clinic Impact For Jesus, Wheatland Salem Church and the Lazarus Project funded. Each stop on this journey will be an opportunity to share the gospel, minister to others and change the world - one child at a time. Please pray for the team, the people we meet and for an abundance of opportunities to share the Good News.